How Have Connecticut’s Marijuana Laws Changed in 2021?

 Posted on August 12, 2021 in Marijuana Possession

While marijuana has long been treated as a controlled substance, attitudes surrounding this drug have changed in recent years. Many states have allowed the use of cannabis for medical purposes, and a number of states have legalized marijuana for recreational use as well. Connecticut recently joined these states when the legislators passed a bill legalizing recreational marijuana. Residents of Connecticut will want to understand how this new law addresses the use of marijuana, as well as how it will affect those who have previously faced criminal charges for marijuana possession or other drug-related offenses.

How the New Law Affects Criminal Cases Involving Marijuana

As of July 1, 2021, marijuana has been made legal for recreational use by adults over the age of 21. A person can possess and use up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis plants or an equivalent amount of products that contain marijuana, such as oils or edibles. In addition, a person can possess up to five ounces of marijuana that is kept in a locked container in their residence or locked inside the trunk or glove compartment of their vehicle. While marijuana is not yet available for retail sale in Connecticut, the state expects that it will begin being sold near the end of 2022.

Some provisions of the new law that may affect criminal cases include:

• People who were convicted of possessing less than four ounces of marijuana between 2000 and 2015 will have these convictions automatically removed from their criminal record. These automatic erasures will begin on January 1, 2023. Those who were convicted of these types of crimes either before 2000 or after 2015 may file a petition to erase these convictions.
• The state will take similar measures to prevent the use of marijuana by minors as it does to address underage alcohol use. Providing or selling marijuana to someone under the age of 21 can result in Class A misdemeanor charges. Minors may be charged with a Class D misdemeanor if they lie about their age or use a fake ID to attempt to purchase marijuana. 
• As was true before the passage of the new law, driving under the influence of marijuana may result in DUI charges. However, the law included provisions to ensure that police officers will be trained in recognizing impairment by drivers who have used marijuana. It also allows a person’s driver’s license to be suspended based on an evaluation by a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

Contact Our Fairfield County Drug Charges Defense Lawyer

While marijuana has been legalized in Connecticut, there are still multiple types of situations where a person may face criminal charges related to the possession or use of this drug. If you need to address drug charges, or if you want to learn more about how you can clear previous criminal convictions from your record, contact our Stamford drug crimes defense attorney at 203-348-5846 and arrange a free consultation.

Sources:

https://portal.ct.gov/cannabis/Knowledge-Base?language=en_US

https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/key-dates-in-connecticuts-new-cannabis-legislation/2522672/

https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/News/Press-Releases/2021/06-2021/Governor-Lamont-Signs-Bill-Legalizing-and-Safely-Regulating-Adult-Use-Cannabis